Friday, February 18, 2011

Soleri Bridge Flash Update: The Bike Racks Came First

Horse parking just added at Soleri Bridge and Plaza in Scottsdale

Back in one of the posts about the dedication ceremony at the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I observed that plenty of people rode bikes to the shindig, but no one talking about public spaces or about life in our crowded, modern cities felt like mentioning two-wheeled human-powered transport in their speeches or discussions to mark the day. Now, I still stand by those pithy observations, but realized today that I hadn't taken the long view: the fact is, from the first day the bridge was open, there were bicycle racks available in a very central location. Today, about two months since the dedication, I noticed they added more hardware, all important and necessary. But I might have noticed: bike racks came first.

Horses, getting excited about the Goldwater Tunnel behind them, the new horse parking, and crossings

New pedestrian parking next to the pylons

It's possible that tree behind this seat will be big and shady some day

Chairs! Seats! Front row for the monsoon bell concert!

This latest phase of accessorization of the plaza is a step forward for pedestrians and horses. It seems like it is still necessary to bring your own shade, perhaps in the form of a parasol. But there's drinking water just up the path, at least for pedestrians: I thought it potentially mean to tie up a thirsty beast who has to stare at water in the canal that he can't drink. But I better take the long view: up next, espresso carts, and horse troughs? Those seats above really are perfectly situated for listening to the bells when the wind blows. You can find me there in a monsoon, possibly in a blinding dust storm or driving rain, seeing what they sound like then. Get up. Go ride.

limom, an excellent question! The off-the-cuff answer is, there's a canal there, so the fences deter unplanned canal plunges. However: this is an exception, almost none of the rest of the canal within the city is fenced off like this. Nor would I want it to be. I would prefer it completely open, in fact.

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Let's Just Ride

I commute by bicycle in Phoenix, Arizona, a metropolis suited to riding bicycles of all types, with weather, mountains, roads, canals, and paths to keep me forever spinning. My favorite bike tools are an open mind, creative engagement, curiosity, compassion, common ground, and the search for knowledge.

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